HC stays panchayat notice against Asaram's ashram

The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh high court on Tuesday granted stay on the notice issued by a gram panchayat to controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu's trust over removal of alleged illegal construction at its Khandwa Road ashram in Indore.

Justice NK Modi granted stay on the notice following a petition filed by the Asaram Gurukul Trust, its advocate Rahul Sethi told reporters.

On September 10, the gram panchayat of Bilawali had issued a notice to ashram to demolish "illegal" construction at the ashram, like kutia (hut), satsang hall, shops and offices, among others within seven days on its own, failing which they would be razed.

Asaram was arrested from the Indore ashram on August 31 by Jodhpur Police for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

The district administration has also issued three notices to the Trust for violating lease conditions and sought reply from it on the issue.